Roof Window Insulating Element Thermal Bridge Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof windows have inadequate energy conservation properties, particularly due to thermal bridges between the bottom sash member and the sash covering, which affect their U-value.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an insulating element with a contour matching the bottom sash covering and pane holding devices, along with a bottom sash gasket with profiling, to span the gap between the bottom members of the sash and frame, eliminating thermal bridges and enhancing insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional roof window structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy conservation properties are inadequate due to thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating element is divided into multiple sections with recesses that accommodate individual pane holding devices. This segmentation allows the insulating element to fit around thermal bridge sources while maintaining continuous insulation coverage, resolving the contradiction between energy conservation and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating element acts as an intermediary component positioned between the bottom sash member and the bottom sash covering. It mediates the thermal connection by providing a thermal break while still allowing mechanical attachment of pane holding devices, thus improving energy conservation without significantly increasing overall structure complexity.
2Loss of energy
If the insulating element has a contour matching the bottom sash covering, then thermal bridges are eliminated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating element features localized recesses at specific positions where pane holding devices will be mounted. This local adaptation allows the overall contour to match the bottom sash covering for thermal continuity, while the recesses provide accommodation for mechanical components without requiring high precision across the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating element provides complete contour matching along the edges where thermal bridges occur, while using recesses rather than precise surface contact in areas where pane holding devices are mounted. This partial precision approach eliminates thermal bridges at critical locations without requiring excessive manufacturing precision throughout.
3Loss of energy
If pane holding devices are accommodated in recesses of the insulating element, then insulation is improved by avoiding air spaces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating element merges multiple functions: it provides thermal insulation, accommodates pane holding devices through integrated recesses, and maintains structural continuity. By combining these functions into a single component rather than separate elements, the design improves insulation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating element serves multiple purposes: it insulates the interface between sash components, provides mounting recesses for pane holding devices, and ensures continuous insulation coverage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing insulation improvement with acceptable complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly improves the insulating properties and energy conservation of the roof window by eliminating thermal bridges and ensuring a tight seal, thereby enhancing the U-value.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating element at the transition between the bottom sash member and the bottom sash covering... spanning the gap between the bottom members of the sash and the frame... avoiding the creation of air spaces... providing a close fit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A roof window (1) comprising a frame (2) with a top member (5), a bottom member (6) and two side members (7, 8) defining a frame plane, and a sash (3) having a top member (9), a bottom member (10) and two side members (11, 12) defining a sash plane, the sash (3) carrying a pane (4), the window (1) further comprising in connection with said bottom sash member (10) a bottom sash covering (319), wherein the roof window (1) furthermore comprises an insulating element (303) and preferably also a bottom sash gasket 310 adapted for insulating of the transition between the bottom sash member (10) and the bottom sash covering (319). The insulating element (303) comprises a first surface (305) having a contour substantially corresponding to the contours of a surface (306) of the bottom sash covering (319) facing the bottom sash member (10).